Gaming the gaming summit

Democrats and Republicans are jabbing at each other over the legislative “gaming summit” that kicks off Friday in Atlantic City.

Legislative leaders announced Monday that the panel would include eight people — all of them Democrats. They are co-chairs Sen. Jim Whelan and Assm. John Burzichelli, joined by Sens. Raymond Lesniak, Paul Sarlo and Jeff Van Drew and Assms. Ralph Caputo, Matthew Milam and Connie Wagner.

Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver on Monday described the summit as the legislative Democrats’ answer to Gov. Chris Christie’s Advisory Commission on Gaming, Sports and Entertainment, known generally as the Hanson Commission.

“The Governor and the Republicans had their task force, and now Democrats have our fact-finding mission,” Sweeney said.

“Unlike the report we recently received, this will be an open process and everyone will get a chance to speak their minds,” Oliver said. “We hope our Republican colleagues we take advantage of that opportunity along with all other interested parties as we work towards a solution acceptable to both the Republican governor and the Democratic Legislature.”

Senate Minority Leader Thomas Kean Jr. said he hopes the Democratic leadership “reconsiders their position and opens a seat at the table for Republicans.”

“It’s unacceptable to inject partisan politics into the modernization of major industries in New Jersey’s economy,” Kean said. “The long-term futures of gaming and horse farming cross geographic and ideological boundaries. A transparent and fair process should include a balance of stakeholders including bipartisan representatives of the people.”

“A one-party summit screams of partisanship instead of a sincere bipartisan effort to improve our state,” said Assemblyman John Amodeo, a Republican whose district includes Atlantic City.

“It’s highly unfortunate that the Democrats have chosen to make this a competition, which it clearly should not be,” said Assm. Declan O’Scanlon, R-Monmouth.

In case you’re curious, Christie’s seven member task force included four registered Republicans (chairman Jon Hanson; Debra DiLorenzo, Al Leiter and Finn Wentworth), two registered Democrats (Robert Holmes and Robert Mulcahy) and one unaffiliated to any political party (Wesley Lang).